After Powerful Earthquake, Scenes of Destruction Across Mexico City

Rescuers and volunteers remove rubble and debris from a flattened building in search of survivors after a powerful quake in Mexico City on September 19, 2017.

VICTOR CRUZ/AFP/Getty Images

A powerful earthquake rattled Mexico City Tuesday afternoon killing dozens and causing buildings to collapse and roads to split. The epicenter of the 7.1 magnitude quake, which took place around 1 p.m. (local time), was 100 miles south of the capital city, but caused buildings to shake and sway and sent terrified residents pouring into the streets. According to local officials, dozens of buildings have collapsed, including two schools. The death count stands at more than 139 in the region, most of those coming from Morelos state, south of Mexico City, where the quake was strongest. There are 36 recorded fatalities in Mexico City so far. The death toll will surely rise as rescue crews comb through the rubble for survivors.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Mexico; two weeks ago a deadly earthquake hit off the country’s Pacific coast. Today’s earthquake came on the very anniversary of a deadly 1985 quake. Here are scenes from around the Mexican capital, which is home to some 20 million people.